Continue reading »]]> An arrangement of framed pieces of art, grouped on a single wall can create an impressive focal point in any space. But a typical gallery wall can successfully depart from traditional compositions and pieces by utilizing clever arrangements and redeploying everyday elements and objects in an inventive way.

The addition of simple, round mirrors contrasts the typical rectilinear forms of the picture frames. The addition of old books stacked in the firebox adds an interesting element to this focal wall. (Kate Spade NY)

A collection of fabric remnants makes good use of otherwise forlorn scraps. (Wall Art & Decor Ideas)

Maps from travels past are re-purposed as art and as clocks, keeping world time. (Real-Life Decor by Jean Nayar)

Found objects create a simple ‘art’ display over a fireplace mantel. (Apartment Therapy)

Colourful shopping bags are recycled and framed into some environmentally-friendly art. (Moth Design)

The frames become the art in this creative gallery installation – disparate styles of frames are unified with a coordinating coat of paint. (Living with Lindsay)

Everyday objects, such as this collection of vintage cameras, are elevated to art status simply by placing them in simple frames. (Pocket Full of Pretty)

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Tulips are a universally loved spring flower. Their simplicity of form and show of a variety of colours cheerfuly usher in spring. When I pinned this photo taken by Flowerona in Columbia Road Flower Market in London, England on my ‘Spring’ board on Pinterest, it was in turn repinned over 450 times, speaking to the mass appeal of this flower. And to  the appeal of the colour scheme of the bright colours of the blooms, the grounding green of the leaves, and the neutral grey of the buckets. This is a colour scheme that easily translates into any room’s colour palette, easily injecting some fresh optimism into any space.

(Southern Living)

(Elle Decor)

(House & Home)

(Lucy and Company)

(Arianna Belle)

Continue reading »]]> With Easter just around the corner, here are some creative ideas for creating beautiful and colourful eggs to adorn a basket or excitedly discover in an Easter egg hunt.

Ribbons and rhinestones adorn colourfully dyed white eggs (Sweet Abode).

Wrapping eggs with rubber bands or lengths of tape before dying creates casual and contrasting white stripes (Better Homes & Gardens; Family Circle).

Shabby chic papier mache eggs can be reused year after year (Etsy – GTcottagecrafts).

These papier mache are filled with a lot of Easter fun (Not Martha).

Chalkboard paint turns eggs into little message boards while dainty lace leaves a delicate impression (Oleander & Palm; Martha Stewart).

Formed over balloons, twine transforms into sculptural eggs that easily string into a garland (Crafty Endeavor).

Continue reading »]]> The days are slowly getting warmer and longer, softly coloured flowering bulbs and shrubs are beginning to bloom, and birds are returning with their sweet songs of spring. Grabbing onto the momentum of the burgeoning season, here are a few ideas to easily bring a little spring decor into your home.

Table tops are easily transformed with natural elements, such a gathering of cuttings from flowering shrubs, forced into bloom (Design Sponge).

Flowering bulbs used in succession, such as these delicate grape hyacinths, create an instant centrepiece (Journey Chic).

Layering textures, colours, and blossoms provide dimension to any spring place setting (Journey Chic).

A festive and fun table setting developed from a carrot-inspired colour scheme (It’s Written on the Walls).

Crafty baby carrots are creatively constructed from orange and green yarn (Carolyn’s Homework).

These DIY spring wreaths are easy to craft and beautifully adorn any door (Dollar Store Mom; Shelterness).

Continue reading »]]> Something as simple as painting the interior of window frames black can have such an impact on the overall scheme of a room. Even a room that lacks extensive architectural details can be elevated in a sophisticated way by painting the window frames and mullions black. Regardless of the overall colour scheme of the space, as black is the neutral that works with any palette and regardless how detailed or simple the design and structure of the window is, the linear, graphic effect provides a strong yet elegant focal point, framing the view beyond.

Photos: 1, 5 * House & Home; 2 * Sister Agency; 4 * House of Turquoise; 6 * Sarah Richardson Design; 6 * Architectural Digest; 7 * The Lennoxx.

Continue reading »]]> As we usher in March with winter’s end on our doorstep, blustery, bone-chilling days are not quite a thing of the past just yet. Fireplaces not only provide warmth during the coldest and dampest points of the year, but these key design features provide a comforting and sometimes dramatic focal point at any time of the year.

A modern fireplace in a bold shape makes a statement in a modern, eclectic interior (Elle Decor).

A traditional fireplace mantel is given extra impact with a black painted chimney breast (Locations Works).

A mid century modern stone fireplace bridges the divide between indoors and out (Home Exchange).

Cubbies surrounding a fireplace provide function along with an interesting focal point (Bo Bedre DK).

An operable fireplace is not a requirement in order to use this design feature to add impact to any decor. Stacked lengths of wood create a rustic mantel while a traditional mantel painted in a bright colour placed on any wall almost instantly creates a welcoming impression (Improvised Life).

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While pink and red are colours that are unfailingly found in any Valentine’s colour palette, for over a century now Sweethearts have been helping romantics send love notes via little candy hearts in a subtly sweet palette that adds yellow, blue, green tangerine, and mauve to the mix. These colours, used in varying combinations of intensity and saturation, create tasty schemes for interiors as well, without being too sugary sweet.

Photos: 1 * Candy Warehouse; 2, 5 * Eileen Kathryn Boyd Interiors; 3, 4 * Drake Design Associates.

Continue reading »]]>  As Valentine’s Day approaches, why not add some heart to your decor? Add a touch of love to your home with these crafty ideas, in colours and textures that are wonderful for Valentine’s Day or any time throughout the year when you need a little lovin’…

Paper hearts in repetition add a touch of softness to a blank wall (Secret Pie Shoppe) or create a special piece of personalized art (Sarah & Bendrix).

 Delicate lace hearts are easy to make with a little fabric stiffener (Michele Made Me).

 This beautiful curled heart ornament is made from formed felt (Remade Simple).

A homey garland is made from different coloured crocheted hearts (Bella Dia)

 Translucent, coloured, hearts made from melted crayons and wax paper catch the daylight (Martha Stewart).

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A crisp and cold winter’s day may not instantly conjure an inspiring colour scheme. However, a closer inspection of a cloudless, frosty scene, with colours particularly moving at dawn or dusk, reveals a palette of soft whites, vibrant blues, warming yellows, and grounding greens.  Winter’s colours are calming and far from drab, with palette inspirations coming from fresh snow, evergreen flora, the glow of the sun or warming candles, and tawny, dormant grasses.

And here are a few examples of this wintery palette applied…

Photos: 1 * ian carroll; 2 * pretties & posies;  3 * blue pueblo; 4 * shell river; 5 * cristi holcombe; 6 * morgan harrison home; 7 * elizabeth dinkel design.

Continue reading »]]> With Christmas less than a week away, the gift shopping may be done (or almost done) but perhaps those presents still need to be wrapped. Here are a few last minute gift wrapping ideas that can give your gifts a unique, one-of-a-kind touch, using elements you likely already have on hand.

Lengths of colourful wool are tied around gifts in repetition, or woven into plaits, or made into fun pom poms.

Snowflake inspired gift toppers made from toilet paper cardboard rolls and cut from colourful craft paper.

Stamps on brown craft paper make for simple and effective gift tags.

Re-purposed paint chips from home decorating projects past.

Small strips of wood (popsicle sticks would do) serve as practical tags; gift tags personalized with photos of family and friends.

Colour is added to gift tags with bright stickers, plastic clothes pins, and strips of different colours of paper or ribbon.

A little nature is added to holiday presents with mini-wreaths made from natural greenery; bark gift tags add a rustic touch.

Photos: 1 * the violet hours; 2 * bugs & fishes; 3 * see you there design; 4 * how about orange; 5 * house to home; 6 * the haystack needle; 7 * babble; 8 * apartment therapy; 9 * etsy; 10 * sweet paul magazine; 11 * martha stewart; 12 * etsy; 13 * frolic; 14 * stylizimo.